If you’ve never driven across Kansas…don’t. If you have to drive across Kansas, you should know there is at least only one thing to see on your drive: the Monument Rocks in Kansas. To put this into perspective, when I googled driving through Kansas, it comes up as one of the top 10 worst states to drive across.
What is driving on I-70 across Kansas like?
In a word, brutal. Kansas has literally no change of scenery in 6 hours. It is extremely flat and I-70 is extremely straight. One person said it was a good way to test your car’s alignment because for 400 miles, there is a very slight curve in the road.
Expect to see lots of prairie. Maybe some corn fields and cows. For some reason, when you live in Kansas City, the drive to Colorado just becomes something you do (or maybe it’s just my family??). It’s an almost 10 hour drive to Denver but for some reason, we would always drive it instead of fly. Be prepared guys. It makes for a rough day.
You can imagine my intrigue (and doubt) when I learned that there might actually be something worth seeing in the midst of all the grass. It’s hard to believe. But right in the middle of nowhere (which is probably a farm), there are the Monument Rocks in Kansas.
What are the Monument Rocks?
The monument rocks are large chalk formations. The chalk pillars can reach up to 70 feet and you will even find an archway formed. It is quite a bizarre sight to see after driving through several hours of grass.
What’s even more bizarre is that the formations are said to have formed during the Cretaceous Period–or in other words, 80 million years ago.
In 1968, the US Department of the Interior designated the Monument Rocks as a National Natural Landmark.
How to find the Monument Rocks in Kansas
The chalk pillars are located south of I-70 between Oakley and Grinnell Kansas. They are about 30 minutes south of Oakley and another 30 back up to the highway. It’s a little drive out of the way but if you’re driving through Kansas anyway, what’s one more hour?
The easiest way to see them (I believe) is to drive down 83 until you get to Dakota Street. Turn left on Dakota, which is across from the Keystone Art Gallery. Then take a left on County Road 450. Take a right on County Road East (Or Elk on Maps) (450 turns into County Road East if I recall). County Road East looks like a dead end on maps but it’s not. Turn left when the road ends and the monuments are down on your right.
It can seem a bit confusing since there are a lot of dirt roads, but you’ll be able to see them in the distance.
Things to know about visiting the Monument Rocks in Kansas
The Monument Rocks are located on private lands but are open to the public, so be respectful of their property!
Access is allowed during day light hours and is closed after sunset.
Drones are prohibited.
So if you ever find yourself taking the long road through Kansas, take a short detour. It mixes up the scenery, is a good photo op and gives you a chance to stretch your legs!
Did you know this was in Kansas? If you know of any other hidden gems along the I-70 route, comment below! Other I-70 roadtrippers will thank you!
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It’s so funny what you said about Kansas! I had a childhood penpal from there but I don’t think she mentioned anything about the Monument Rocks. Her family used to drive to Colorado a lot though.
haha too funny! I don’t know why…it’s nearly 10 hours but we ALWAYS drove. I was born in raised in Kansas City and I didn’t find out about the Monument Rocks until a few years ago!
Since we’re from Missouri and now live in Colorado Springs, we have driven I-70 too many times to count. Had no idea these were here! After decades of doing that drive lol. Saving for a pit stop next time we drive through – thanks!
haha yes! I can’t count how many times we’ve driven it and I only found out about it a few years ago! It’s a neat place to stop and see (and helps break up the drive) but I can’t say that there’s much else to do on that stop! haha
I’ve never heard of this place, but it looks amazing! Also, it’s really interesting that its located on private property, but opened to the public. If I ever kind myself in Kansas, I’ll have to be sure to stop by!
It really is out there! It’s neat to see because it’s just in the middle of farm land. Kind of crazy